Nuggets’ Anthony no Ginobili

Second-year phenom Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, an Olympic teammate of Tim Duncan, is leading the Nuggets in scoring (21.7 points per game), and is third in rebounding (6.1) and assists (3.2).

The Nuggets haven’t played since Monday’s 102-98 loss to the Clippers. Anthony led the Nuggets with 21 points, but hit only 6 of 21 from the field.

Anthony has missed six games this season due to a left ankle injury.

The young forward’s statistics hint that he might be more aggressive than consistent. He is ranked in the top 10 in the NBA in two categories: field-goal attempts per 48 minutes (24.55) and turnovers per game (3.56).

To put the first statistic in proper perspective, he is 19th in field goals made per 48 minutes (9.79) and is hitting 39.9 percent from the field.

For comparison, the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, who has had a reputation for playing out of control at times, is hitting 46.8 percent from the field. Ginobili is not in the top 20 in the turnover category despite handling the ball more than Anthony and having more assists than Anthony.

This probably isn’t a good time for the Nuggets to play on the road against the Spurs, who have lost only once at home this season.

The Nuggets have lost eight of their last nine games and are now playing for new head coach Michael Cooper. Today’s game begins a stretch when the Nuggets play nine of 13 on the road.